As 2022 draws to a close, we have reflected on another year training teachers here at King Edward's Consortium (KEC). July saw the graduation of a fine cohort of teachers of the highest calibre, with all of them moving on to teaching positions in September and thus maintaining our longstanding record of 100% employment. Many moved on to schools in Birmingham and the surrounding area.
This week saw our current trainees attending their last Professional Studies session of the term: they have without exception come a long way in their understanding and application of cognitive science in the classroom since they attended induction in July.
We are very proud of them and their achievements as they contemplate a well-deserved break over Christmas time and their forthcoming second placements in January.
This term has been a whirlwind for our trainee teachers, who have immersed themselves in life at their schools, returning here each Tuesday for focused learning on (among other things) behaviour; child development; cognition, explaining and modelling; working with parents and carers; lesson planning; Special Educational Needs and Disabilities; job applications and interviews; addressing disadvantage; developing literacy; supporting bilingual students and fostering diversity. In addition, they have attended subject development events and spent a day in a Special School so that they can begin to appreciate the vast depth and breadth of the education landscape. Alongside developing their classroom practice plus researching and submitting two very demanding academic assignments, it is not at all surprising that they are ready for the winter break!
We love our work here at King Edward's Consortium and are honoured to play a role in bringing the best teachers to a wonderful profession that is vital to a nation’s economic and social success. This is not a privilege that we take lightly.
We are now recruiting for teacher training beginning in September 2023 and welcome applications from undergraduates graduating in 2023 and from career changers. Do take a look at our website for details of school experience events and to find a link to apply for teacher training: www.teachkec.org.uk, or give Ruth Penn a call on 0121 441 6680 ([email protected]).
Annie Gouldsworthy, Director of Initial Teacher Training
